I am a trained HealthRHYTHMS facilitator. HealthRHYTHMS is a wellness program that has been clinically proven to significantly reduce stress, ease employee burnout, bolster the immune system, increase the number of natural killer cells which attack cancer cells and virally infected cells, and create a community in places where there is non-communication or dissention. It is used in corporate settings, medical settings, wellness settings, schools, assisted living facilities, military bases and prisons.

My Teaching BackgroundI was trained as a HealthRHYTHMS facilitator by Christine Stevens of Upbeat Drum Circles and Dr. Barry Bittman, Neurologist and CEO of the Body/Mind Wellness Center in Meadville, PA. The Health Rhythms protocol has been purposefully designed to gently guide a group through a wellness journey by creating an atmosphere of comfort and community for the individuals. They are then encouraged to participate in exercises that involve rhythm play which allows them to express inner emotions and fears in a safe and caring environment.

I worked for the Renton School District from 1981-1999. I was involved in counseling teens, parents and school staff and learned the fine art of compassionate listening.

In 1999 I resigned from my job at Hazen High School to pursue my love of hand-drumming. I took lessons from Geoff Johns and Simone LaDrumma in Seattle. My main mentor and teacher is Bill Matthews of Fremont Drum School, where I studied for 6 years. I have drummed with "Om-Bili", an Afro-Cuban-Tribal-Jazz troupe, and presently perform with my advanced students in "Namaste~Women Who Drum".

I have played clarinet in "Twilight Time" - a 1940's swing quartet, "Trio Tropicale" - an island jazz group, and "Clarinetium" - a clarinet quartet. I was a member of the Renton City Concert Band for 15 years, before moving to the Enumclaw area. I currently enjoy playing with the Gateway Concert Band.

I have recorded a CD with both "Om-Bili" and "Twilight Time."

My Teaching Philosophy

My HealthRHYTHMS sessions follow a clinically proven protocol for wellness which includes introductory rhythm games to create a feeling of belonging, wellness exercises for relaxation, introducing the instruments, rhythmic naming to empower the individual, jamming with percussion instruments for the sheer fun and comraderie of contributing to a group dynamic, drumming our emotions to allow what is inside to emerge, and a guided imagery meditation for focusing and visualizing what is desired for the future. My job is to facilitate, not teach. I allow the participants to steer the group in the direction they feel is needed and am there only to guide and support those needs. The goal is to reach inside and bring forth feelings through the use of rhythm. As Fred Rogers said, "What can be mentioned, can be managed." It is amazing what emerges when people feel safe and supported.

"What a wonderful program for those needing to heal." - HealthRHYTHMS Participant, Wilkeson, WA

"This was very relaxing and much more effective than other groups like this I've been to because it seemed more connected to a theme and carried it throughout the session. It wasn't pushy." - HealthRHYTHMS Participant, Bellevue, WA

"Margie leads wonderfully and everyone has fun. We have not only had enormous fun, but have learned and grown. The rhythm experiences my children and I have had have additionally enhanced other pursuits." - Parent

"Ms. Pasero has demonstrated great flexibility in adapting to the variety of individual styles represented in our group of students, as well as to the changing mood and spirit of the class..one of the wonderful things about Ms. Pasero is how her educational experience helps her to gracefully handle all classroom situations." - Principal, Maimonides Sephardic Day School, Seattle, WA

"Thank you so much for drumming with our children this year...they loved the drumming, rhythm instruments, and dancing. They made so much progress over the year. It was wonderful to see the children fully engaged! Your energy and enthusiasm were clearly infectious." - Head Teacher, University Cooperative School, Seattle, WA

"Margie has a special musical talent that would be a wonderful opportunity for any child or adult to experience sharing" - Member of Renton City Concert Band

Rates And Availability

Clinical studies have shown that maximum HealthRHYTHMS benefits are reached within 6 weeks. Many facilities offer ongoing HealthRHYTHMS classes as part of their wellness program. Please contact me to schedule an appointment to discuss your company's vision of wellness.

African Drumming Classes Also Available:Have Drums Will Travel! I also conduct African drumming playshops and ongoing classes to ages preschool through adult at your camp, facility, home, office setting, senior center, developmentally disabled or blind camp, birthday party - if you can imagine it, I will do it! I provide drums, a basketful of small world percussion instruments, and visual materials on hand-drum making.